Why Is Your Face Red? Causes and Solutions

Facial redness: common causes and treatments

Facial redness on the cheeks, nose and forehead may signal rosacea, a common skin condition that typically emerges after age 30. It also may indicate another issue like a sunburn, allergies, or psoriasis. 

Some degree of facial redness is normal – after being outside in wintry weather, when blushing, or right after a warm shower, for instance. 

When facial redness is persistent or extreme, however, there may be an underlying issue such as a dermatologic condition, allergy, or another factor that needs to be addressed. Especially if this condition causes pain or irritation, prompt assessment is recommended.

Here’s what to know about facial redness, including common causes and how to treat it. 

Understanding Facial Redness

Common Symptoms Associated with Facial Redness

Some facial redness is fleeting and not necessarily a reason for concern. However, symptoms of skin redness that may demand further assessment and diagnosis include: 

  • Patches of red skin.
  • Persistent redness across the cheeks and nose.
  • Visible small blood vessels.
  • Itchiness, irritation or burning.
  • Flaky, peeling or dryness.
  • Eye problems or irritation .

What Causes Redness on Your Face?

Myriad factors can trigger facial redness, ranging from an injury to a sunburn. Some of the most common causes include: 

  • Rosacea is a chronic condition that causes persistent redness and visible small blood vessels, typically in a butterfly-shaped pattern across the cheeks and nose. Flare-ups may be triggered by inflammation from factors like stress, extreme temperature changes, or spicy food.  
  • Contact dermatitis refers to an allergic reaction that occurs after direct contact with a trigger such as skin care products, certain fabrics, or clothes washed with certain laundry detergents. 
  • Atopic dermatitis. Rarely, the condition may be mistaken for atopic dermatitis, or eczema, which manifests as itchy patches. 
  • Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition characterized by thick, itchy and scaly red patches. On the face, it most often impacts the nose, eyebrows and hairline. 
  • Burns. Whether due to excess sun exposure or contact with harmful chemicals, facial redness may be caused by a burn. 
  • Hives (urticaria) are raised, red welts that may crop up on the face or body due to factors like allergies or certain medications. 
  • Insect bites or stings, from ticks to bees, may cause localized redness, swelling, or itching on the face. 
  • Infections caused by bacteria, viruses or fungus may lead to facial redness. 
  • Environmental factors. Extreme heat and humidity may cause tiny, itchy red bumps to appear especially where sweat ducts become blocked, such as around the forehead or temples.   

Diagnosing the Root Cause of Redness

When to Seek Professional Help

The experts at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommend consulting a dermatologist if facial redness has persisted for more than 2 weeks. 

AAD professionals also recommend visiting a doctor as soon as possible in the event any of the following manifests alongside the redness or rash: 

  • A rash or redness impacting the eyes, lips or mouth.
  • A rash that spreads very rapidly.
  • Blisters or sores.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Fever or the chills.
  • Pain or irritation. 
  • Vision or eye problems.   
  • Joint pain.
  • Difficulty breathing.

Since the above symptoms may signify a serious issue such as an infection, a prompt diagnosis and assessment is recommended.   

Symptoms of Rosacea vs. Other Conditions

Rosacea is one of the most common skin conditions in the world, impacting more than 5% of the population, according to recent estimates. Key signs that the redness is caused by rosacea include: 

  • The redness appears primarily in the center of the face on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. 
  • It’s accompanied by visible red vessels. 
  • The redness tends to come and go or flare-up due to stress, spicy foods, certain triggers, etc.  
  • It may be accompanied by a burning sensation.  
  • There may be small, bumpy lesions. However, unlike acne, these lesions won’t have ‘heads’ or contain pus. 
  • It typically onsets after age 30 and is more common in women. 

However, rosacea may sometimes be confused for other conditions. Key signs that suggest the redness is caused by another condition include:

  • The skin redness appears within minutes or hours of contact with an allergen, which likely signals an allergic reaction or hives
  • It contains itchy or scaly patches, which may indicate contact dermatitis or psoriasis
  • The redness is accompanied by severe inflammation or pain, which could potentially signify an infection
  • The redness spreads beyond the face, which could signal an allergic reaction or autoimmune condition like Lupus.
  • The redness emerges soon after trying a new product on your face, which is likely contact dermatitis

How to Reduce Redness on Your Face

Lifestyle Changes to Minimize Facial Redness

Treating facial redness isn’t one-size-fits-all. However, measures that may minimize facial inflammation and support healthy skin include: 

  • Shielding your skin from sun damage by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
  • Avoiding extreme weather exposure (e.g. wind, snow). 
  • Tracking potential triggers (e.g. spicy food) in a diary.
  • Practicing stress management.
  • Staying well-hydrated.

For redness caused by factors like sunburn or allergy, the following measures may lend immediate relief: 

  • Applying a cool compress to impacted areas.
  • Taking over-the-counter antihistamines if caused by an allergen.
  • Being extremely gentle with the affected skin. 
  • Avoiding cosmetics until the redness improves. 
  • Applying a soothing, fragrance-free topical cream like aloe vera gel.  

Skin Care Tips for Sensitive Skin

Those with sensitive skin can benefit from a gentle, nourishing skin care routine. Cleanse with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser and apply a hydrating moisturizer and mineral-based sunscreen twice a day.

Remove any makeup with a non-irritating cleanser and avoid hot water or harsh exfoliation. 

Advanced Treatments for Persistent Redness

Medications for Chronic Conditions

For those with a chronic condition like rosacea or chronic dermatitis, prescription medication may be necessary to see improvement. These treatments can help reduce inflammation and repair the skin barrier, thereby minimizing redness and reducing the incidence of flare-ups. Options include: 

  • Anti-inflammatory medications.  
  • Prescription-strength barrier repair creams. 
  • Oral antibiotics.  

A dermatologist can recommend specific options based on your unique symptoms. 

Preventing Future Redness

Skin Care Habits for Long-Term Redness Control

To minimize redness and maintain optimal skin health today and every day, experts recommend: 

  • Keeping a consistent, dermatologist-approved skincare routine day and night.
  • Tracking what triggers your redness and avoiding these triggers.
  • Scheduling routine check-ups with a dermatologist.
  • Using only hypoallergenic products tested on sensitive skin.
  • Always protecting against sun damage.

Looking for Expert Help? Consider Working with a Piction Dermatologist 

If you have persistent facial redness, a qualified dermatologist can help diagnose and treat your condition. Whether you think you may have rosacea or another condition, the experienced medical professionals at Piction Health can help. 

The Piction team offers comprehensive treatment plans, which may include prescription medication or a specialized routine to heal your skin. After completing a quick skin assessment, you will be matched with a dermatologist specializing in your condition. 

Contact them online to take a step toward calmer, clearer skin today. 

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